REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

ISSUED BY THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO, ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, FORESTRY DIVISION FOR LAND TRUSTS AND LAND CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS TO CONDUCT DUE DILIGENCE TASKS FOR THE FOREST LEGACY AND/OR THE NATURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION ACT PROGRAMS 

I. PURPOSE

The State of New Mexico, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Forestry Division (Forestry Division) is seeking proposals from land trust entities or other land conservation organizations that operate in New Mexico who meet the required qualifications as specified below and will be dedicated to submitting project proposals to the federally funded Forest Legacy Program (FLP) or state-funded Natural Heritage Conservation Act (NHCA) Program. The successful Offeror(s) shall be able to identify potential projects in New Mexico for securing conservation and/or agricultural easements or fee simple FLP purchases that meet the requirements of the FLP, or meet the requirements of the NHCA Program, and work with the landowner of such properties to complete the program application forms required to submit proposed projects.

EMNRD may award multiple contracts as a result of this Request for Proposals (RFP). 

Any proposal that may result from this RFP is valid for one year from proposal due date as indicated in Section VIII, Contact Person and Due Dates, below. 

II. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS

This RFP is directed at entities that meet the criteria below. An eligible Offeror:

• is a non-profit organization as described in 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that operates in New Mexico and that has the power to acquire, hold or maintain land or interest in land;

• has necessary experience and knowledge, including previous experience working with landowners on other land conservation easement projects in New Mexico to identify and submit potential projects for either fee simple purchase or conservation easements that:

• meet the requirements of the Forest Legacy Program guidelines (available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fs_media/fs_document/15541-forest-service-legacy-program-508.pdf)
•  And/or meet the requirements of the Natural Heritage Conservation Act Program (See Attachment 1). https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/carbon-sequestration-through-land conservation/natural-heritage-conservation-act-and-natural-landsprotection-act/);

• has knowledge of conducting or procuring due diligence services such as market valuations, mineral title opinions or mineral remoteness determinations, title commitment work; environmental assessments, baseline documentation reports, stewardship plans, and appraisals; and

• has experience working with landowners in New Mexico including but not limited to individuals, corporations, state agencies, political subdivisions of the state and tribal governments.

III. SCOPE OF WORK

The successful Offeror(s) shall assist the Forestry Division in identifying potential land conservation projects in New Mexico that meet the requirements of the Forest Legacy Program or meet the requirements of the Natural Heritage Conservation Act Program and work with the landowner of such properties to complete application forms, required to submit proposed projects.

The Forestry Division will assign work on an “as-needed” basis. The selected Contractors shall receive requested tasks from designated Division staff and shall develop and submit, for the Forestry Division’s approval, a timetable and budget to perform the work as requested by Division staff.

The successful Offeror(s) shall:

• identify and submit project proposals for the Forestry Division’s Forest Legacy Program;
• and/or identify and submit project proposals for the state-funded Natural Heritage Conservation Act Program;
• upon the Forestry Division’s request, complete by in-house staff, or procure via sub-contractor, due diligence activities for the submitted project proposals. For detailed requirements of each activity for FLP projects please refer to Part V., Land Acquisition Process and Requirements of the FLP Implementation Guidelines (linked above) and/or the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Guidelines (https://a.storyblok.com/f/120093/x/6d634cb9ce/landtruststandardsandpractices-revised.pdf). For detailed requirements for NHCA projects refer to NHCA statute and rule (Attachment 1) and/or the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Guidelines (https://a.storyblok.com/f/120093/x/6d634cb9ce/landtruststandardsandpractices-revised.pdf). Due diligence activities include:

1. mineral title opinions or mineral remoteness determinations, certifying that the landowner owns mineral rights or a report from a professional geologist that the probability of surface mining occurring on such property is so remote as to be negligible;
2. market evaluation report of the property determining what the current value of the property is for fee title acquisition or current value of a conservation easement for the property and detailing how that determination was made and what resources where used; 
3. conducting title searches and providing title commitments; with the title commitments in the name of EMNRD-Forestry Division for FLP and/or EMNRD for NHCA;
4. environmental assessments (phase I, and phase II, if required);
5. baseline documentation report of property; establishing the initial conditions of the property necessary to monitor and enforce the conservation easement or deed.
6. develop stewardship plans; the plan is a site-specific plan that must be approved by the State forester or designee that meets or exceeds the Forest Service Forest Stewardship Program Standards and Guidelines. The plan documents and addresses the multiple natural resources present on a tract of FLP land, highlights the landowner’s objectives, and describes actions to protect and manage soil, water, range, aesthetic quality, recreation, timber, fish and wildlife resources, and other conservation values identified on the tract.
7. land surveys which meet the standards and requirements of the American Land Title Association® and/or the National Society of Professional Surveyors (https://cdn.ymaws.com/nsps.us.com/resource/resmgr/alta_standards/2021_Standards_20201030_grk.pdf);
8. facilitation of stakeholder meetings to develop co-management plans:
9. development of co-management plan(s) in conjunction with the Forestry Division that state the responsibilities of EMNRD-Forestry Division and the partner that will be co-managing the property to be held in fee title by the Forestry Division;
10. develop conservation easements or fee simple deed language in conjunction with the Forestry Division; and
11. Acquiring an appraisal specifying the users of the appraisal report (EMNRD-Forestry Division, landowner, and/or United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service) that establishes fair market value of the conservation or agricultural easement and meets United States treasury regulations and the uniform standards of professional appraisal practice. In addition, for FLP the appraisal report must meet Federal appraisal standards known as the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions.

V. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENTS

Proposals must contain sufficient information to provide the Division with a thorough description of Offeror’s qualifications to accomplish the activities described in the Scope of Work.

The proposal MUST contain, at a minimum, all listed items.

1. Certification in your Submittable proposal that:

• identifies the name, title, telephone number, and e-mail address of the person authorized to negotiate the contract on behalf of the Offeror;
• identifies the names, titles, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of person(s) to be contacted for clarification;
• expressly indicates acceptance of the terms and conditions of this RFP and its evaluation factors;
• certifies all entities or individuals responsible for authorizing Offeror’s activities have agreed the proposal should be submitted;
• if applicable, acknowledges receipt of any and all amendments to this RFP; and
• is signed by the person authorized to contractually obligate the Offeror.

      2. Documentation of experience, education, knowledge, and capability (refer to Proposal Evaluation Criteria).       Including:

• Contact information for references who can attest to experience and quality of deliverables; and

      3. Federal Compliance – If applying to FLP projects, Offeror(s) must provide their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and have an active registration on SAM.GOV (Appendix A to Part 25, Title 2) and state whether they meet C.F.R. requirements for an audit (2 5C.F.R. 200.501(a) Audit Requirements). If Offeror does meet the requirements for an audit, Offeror must provide proof the audit has been submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) (2 C.F.R. 200.512 (b) Report Submission), and provide their federal Employer Identification Number, which will allow the Forestry Division access to the relevant audit(s) prior to any award subject to this RFP.

     4. Budget Narrative- Offerors must provide a brief written narrative describing anticipated due diligence needs over the next four years and how an award to the Offeror and the ability to request reimbursement for due diligence expenses through Task Orders will result in increased conservation activity in New Mexico. In addition, please include the following:

• Hourly Rates per Position: Clearly specify the hourly rates for each in-house staff position anticipated to work on the project and the due diligence activities they are qualified to complete; 

      5. Campaign Contribution Form (Attachment 2) -- Offeror shall complete, sign, and submit with Offeror’s proposal response the Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form and disclose whether Offeror, a family member, or a representative of the Offeror has made a campaign contribution to an applicable public official during the two years prior to the RFP. Offeror shall complete the non-disclosure statement or make separate disclosures for all campaign contributions given by (a) the Offeror, (b) a family member, or (c) a representative of the Offeror.

      6. Completed, signed Statement of Assurances Form (Attachment 3).

Any proposal not adhering to these requirements may be deemed non-responsive and rejected on that basis.

VI. CRITERIA AND EVALUATION POINT SUMMARY

Offeror(s) shall submit information sufficient to allow the Forestry Division to evaluate the proposal based upon criteria listed below:

Relevant experience:

Points will be awarded based on documented relevant experience, resources, education, knowledge, and capability of the organization and its employees.  Possible points 50

Staffing:

Points will be awarded based on number of staff and their qualifications. Possible points 50

Maximum total possible points 100

* Preference laws do not apply to the work of this RFP, as it may be funded with federal 

dollars.

VII. EVALUATION PROCESS

The evaluation process will follow the steps listed below:

1. Three Evaluation Team members will document contents of competitive sealed proposals after the submittal deadline.

2. The Evaluation Team will review proposals for compliance with the mandatory requirements stated within this RFP. Proposals deemed non-responsive will be eliminated from further consideration.

3. The Forestry Division Contact Person may contact Offerors for clarification of the proposal.

4. The Evaluation Team will evaluate responsive proposals based on the criteria in Section V. and will select responsive Offeror(s) with the highest total scores as finalist Offeror(s). The Evaluation Team will select the finalist Offeror(s) whose proposal and references is/are most advantageous to the Forestry Division, for award.

VIII. CONTRACT AWARD AND DURATION

The Forestry Division may award multiple contracts under the terms of the attached draft Professional Services Agreement (PSA) (Attachment 4) and in accordance with this RFP. Any PSA awarded as a result of this RFP shall not be binding until approved by the General Services Department, State Purchasing Division, Contracts Review Bureau. The contract period shall extend from the date of contract approval by the Contracts Review Bureau, and shall last no longer than four years, including any amendments and renewals.

IX. CONTACT PERSON AND DUE DATES

The EMNRD Contact Person for this procurement is:

Carol Bada, Forest Legacy Program State Coordinator

EMNRD, Forestry Division

Wendell Chino Building

1220 South Saint Francis Drive

Santa Fe, NM 87505

Telephone: (505) 660-0412

carol.bada@emnrd.nm.gov

Offerors shall direct any questions regarding this RFP to Carol Bada at the email or physical address indicated. The Forestry Division will only respond to written questions regarding this RFP. Written answers to those questions will be sent to all who request copies of this RFP and will also be posted on the Forestry Division website as specified below.

Any inquiries or requests regarding this procurement must be submitted in writing to the Forestry Division Contact Person listed above. Offerors may contact ONLY the Contact Person regarding this RFP. Other state employees or Evaluation Committee members do not have authority to respond on the Forestry Division’s behalf.

Deadlines for Written Questions

Potential Offerors may submit written questions to the Contact Person as to the intent or clarity of this RFP until 5 p.m. MDT, July 31, 2025. All written questions must be addressed to the Contact Person as indicated above. In the event questions are mailed via United States Postal Service, they must be physically received at the above location by the stated date and time to be considered. Questions shall be clearly labeled and shall cite the Section(s) in the RFP or other document which form the basis of the question.

The Forestry Division will post written responses to such questions on the Forestry Division website by August 11, 2025.  https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/requests-for-proposals-and-grants/.

Proposal Submittal and Due Date

Offerors shall submit their proposal using the Forestry Division’s Submittable webpage using this address: https://emnrd-sfd.submittable.com/submit no later than 5 p.m. MDT, August 22, 2025. The Forestry Division will deem such proposals sealed in accordance with state statute. The Forestry Division shall not accept proposals received after this date and shall make absolutely no exceptions for proposals not received by the appointed time.

Protest Period

Pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 13-1-172 and applicable procurement rules, Offerors who are not selected have the right to timely protest the procurement. Protests must be written and must include: the name and address of the protestor and the name of the procurement being protested; a statement of the grounds for protest including appropriate supporting exhibits; and the ruling requested from EMNRD. The protest period begins on the day after notice of selection/non-selection and ends at 5 p.m. 15 days later. Protests must be delivered to:  Miguel Gallegos, Chief Procurement Officer, EMNRD, 1220 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM, 87505.

IX. NOTICES

Award of agreements is contingent upon sufficient appropriations and authorization being made by the State of New Mexico and the U.S Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.

The money made available to support any PSA entered as a result of this RFP must cover Gross Receipts Taxes as a component of the total PSA amount.

EMNRD may cancel this RFP and reject any and all proposals when it is in the State of New Mexico’s best interests.

EMNRD may conduct discussions with Offerors who submit proposals but may also accept proposals without such discussions.

The New Mexico Procurement Code, NMSA 1978, Sections 13-1-28 through 13-1-199, imposes civil and criminal penalties for its violation. In addition, the New Mexico criminal statutes impose felony penalties for bribes, gratuities, and kickbacks.

Attachments

Attachment 1:  NHCA Statute and Rule

Available at: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/NHCA-Statute-and-Rule.pdf 

Attachment 2: Campaign Contribution Form 

Available at: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/Campaign-Contribution-Form.pdf

Attachment 3: Statement of Assurances Form 

Available at: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/Statement-of-Assurances-Form.pdf

Attachment 4: Professional Services Agreement

Available at: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/FY26-PSA-template.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

ISSUED BY THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO, ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, FORESTRY DIVISION 

FOR PROFESSIONAL HORTICULTURIST TO GROW TREE AND SHRUB SEEDLINGS FOR NEW MEXICO FORESTRY DIVISION

I.   PURPOSE

The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Forestry Division (Forestry Division) is seeking proposals for a professional horticulturist or an entity who has as a principal person who meets the required qualifications and will be dedicated to this project, with: a master's or doctorate degree in plant and environmental science (including horticulture, tree physiology, or related areas); a bachelor's degree in horticulture; or at least 10 years of direct experience in operating a nursery growing native trees and shrubs, to research and develop propagation methods for native tree and shrub species, to collect or obtain native plant seed from New Mexico whenever possible, and to grow native and non-native tree and shrub seedlings for the Conservation Seedling Distribution Program, Urban Forestry Program, and/or for Forestry Division Reforestation Projects.

Federal and state funding may be used for Urban Forestry Program and Reforestation Projects. The Conservation Seedling Program only uses state funding. Please indicate in your proposal which programs/projects you are willing to provide seedlings for. You must be registered and in good standing with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) for programs utilizing federal funding.

Forestry Division may award more than one Professional Services Agreement (PSA) as a result of this Request for Proposals (RFP). Any procurement which may result from this RFP is valid for one year from date of issue as indicated in Section VIII, Contact Person and Due Dates, below.
 

II.  ELIGIBLE OFFERORS

The successful Offeror(s) shall be able to plan and manage nursery operations and use independent decision-making to have species available and of appropriate size for the distribution periods Forestry Division specifies.

The successful Offeror(s) shall also conduct research and development of native tree and shrub species to determine germination and propagation needs and provide Forestry Division with advice and guidance on additional species Forestry Division may make available to the public.

This RFP is directed to individuals and entities that meet the criteria below.

• a master's or doctorate degree in plant and environmental science (including horticulture, tree physiology, or related areas); a bachelor's degree in horticulture; or at least 10 years of direct experience in operating a nursery growing native and non-native trees and shrubs;
• ability to conduct research and development of tree and shrub species and provide Forestry Division with advice and guidance on additional species Forestry Division could offer for sale;
• ability to recognize and treat insect and disease problems that may occur in the greenhouse;
• knowledge of germination and growing requirements for all the species requested;
• knowledge of types of soil medium needed to grow seedlings;
• ability to grow tree and shrub species, including seed harvesting, stratification, germination, propagation, and hardening off of seedlings;
• ability to acquire seed for the species. Seed should be from New Mexico when available, and if not, then seed should be acquired from the closest regional source. Forestry Division may provide seed to grower if the Forestry Division has a certain seed requirement;
• ability to provide soil medium and containers for seedlings;
• ability to germinate and grow seedling to Forestry Division specifications;
• ability to grow and maintain species that require a two-year growth cycle;
• ability to provide the species the Forestry Division requests; and
• have operational nursery facilities already in place which are adequate to meet the requirements contained within this RFP.

III.  SCOPE OF WORK

The successful Offeror(s) shall

• Plan and manage nursery operations and use independent decision­ making to have species available and of appropriate size for the distribution periods Forestry Division specifies.
• Upon the Forestry Division's request, conduct research and development of tree and shrub species to determine germination and propagation needs and provide the Forestry Division with advice and guidance on additional species the Forestry Division may make available to the public.
• Acquire seed for native and non-native tree and shrub species, soil medium, and containers, and 
• germinate and grow seedlings to the following the Forestry Division's specifications:

1.  seedlings shall have a minimum caliper width of three millimeter at the root collar;
2.  seedlings must be grown in a 10-inch cubic container and the shoot must be at least five inches in height, and                     
3.  seedlings must be free of insects and disease upon inspection by the Forestry Division and prior to removal of seedlings from Offeror's facilities.

• The Forestry Division has the right to inspect the seedlings at any point in the growing season and may reject any and all plants grown by the successful Offeror(s) that do not meet the above specifications, or which it determines not to be quality plants conducive for out-planting (planting the greenhouse-grown seedlings in the field). Such rejection shall not relieve the Offeror(s) of any other obligation.

Provide the Forestry Division with species from the Forestry Division's Climate Ready Trees List (https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/urban-and­ community-forestry/climate-ready-trees/), the following species of seedlings or others as requested by the Forestry Division and agreed upon by the Offeror(s):

Apache Plume - Fallugia paradoxa, Arizona Ash - Fraxinus velutina, Arizona Cypress - Cupressus arizonica, Arizona Sycamore - Platanus wrightii, Arizona walnut - Juglans major, Aspen - Populus tremuloides, Bigtooth Maple - Acer grandidentatum, Black Willow - Salix gooddingii, Blue Spruce - Picea pungens, Bristlecone Pine - Pinus aristata, Buffaloberry - Shepherdia argentea, Chokecherry - Prunus virginiana, Desert Willow - Chilopsis linearis, Douglas Fir - Pseudotsuga menziesii, Engelmann Spruce - Picea engelmannii, False lndigo - Amorpha fruticosa, Fernbush - Chamabatiaria millefolium, Four-Wing Saltbush - Atriplex canescens, Gambel oak - Quercus gambelli, Golden Current - Ribes aureum, Lacebark Elm - Ulmus parvifolia, Hop Tree - Ptelea trifoliata, Limber Pine - Pinus flexilus, Little Leaf Sumac - Rhus microphyllum, Mountain Mahogany - Cercocarpus montanus, Mountain Snowberry - Symphoricarpos oreophilus, Narrowleaf Cottonwood- Populus angustifolia, Native Plum - Prunus americana, Netleaf Hackberry - Celtis reticulata, New Mexico Forestiera - Forestiera neomexicana, New Mexico Locust - Robinia neomexicana, Peachleaf Willow - Salix amygdaloides, Penstemon species - Penstemon spp., Pinon Pine- Pinus edulis, Plains Cottonwood - Populus deltoids ssp. monilifera, Ponderosa Pine - Pinus ponderosa, Red-osier Dogwood - Cornus stolonifera, Rio Grande Cottonwood - Populus deltoids ssp. Wislizeni, Rocky Mountain Juniper - Juniperus scopulorum, Rubber Rabbitbrush (Chamisa)­ - Chrysothamnus nauseosus, Serviceberry -Amelanchier Spp., Shrubby cinquefoil- Potentilla fructicosa L., Skunkbush Sumac - Rhus trilobata, Southwestern White Pine - Pinus strobiformis, Texas red oak - Quercus buckleyi, Thinleaf Alder - Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia, Wax Currant - Ribes cereum, White Fir - Abies concolor, Woods Rose - Rosa woodsii, and Winterfat - Ceratoides lanata.

• Produce a minimum of 10,000 seedlings that meet the Forestry Division's specifications for distribution for each of the calendar years 2026-2029.
   

IV.  PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENTS

Proposals must contain sufficient information to provide the Forestry Division with a thorough description of Offeror's qualifications to accomplish the activities described in the Scope of Work. Offerors may submit proposals by hard copy (address listed below under Contact Person), or through the Forestry Division's Submittable webpage using this address: https://emnrd-sfd.submittable.com/submit.

The proposal MUST contain, at a minimum, all listed items in the sequence indicated and be organized in the following format:

A)  Letter of transmittal that:

•   identifies the name, title, telephone, and e-mail address of the person authorized to negotiate the contract on behalf of the Offeror;

•   identifies the names, titles, telephone, and e-mail addresses of persons to be contacted for clarification;

•   explicitly indicate acceptance of the terms and conditions of this RFP and its evaluation factors;

•   indicates for which programs/projects you are willing to provide seedlings;

•   acknowledges receipt of any and all amendments to this RFP; and

•   is signed by the person authorized to contractually obligate the Offeror.

B)  Organizational experience - Detail Offeror's relevant experience, resources, education, knowledge, documentation and capability, and if Offeror is not an individual, the relevant experience, resources, education, knowledge, documentation and capability of the employee who meets the horticulturist requirement. Provide proof of degree (in the form of a transcript or diploma copy), or document nursery experience in a written synopsis, no more than four pages in length, detailing successful experience in seed stratification, germination, and growing requirements including temperature and soil media) for any four of the species listed above in the Scope of Work; training relevant to nursery operations including knowledge and ability to recognize and treat insect and disease problems that may occur in the greenhouse; and numbers of previous contracts for growing seedlings successfully completed (include contact information for those contracts).

C)  Knowledge of species propagation and disease treatment­ - Describe Offeror's recent and current experience in obtaining seed source, germination techniques, growing and ability to recognize and treat insect and disease problems that may occur in the greenhouse. Provide documentation successfully propagated in the past, successful treatment of insect and disease problems, and entities Offeror grew the seedlings for (include contact information), highlight experience with native species, if applicable.

D)  Staffing and facilities - Provide names and qualifications of key personnel who will perform work under the contract, including location and description of facilities and resources to perform services. Provide photos of nursery facilities and details on nursery facilities, and number of staff. The Forestry Division may make on­ site visits to verify facility capabilities if it deems such visits necessary.

E)  Budget - Provide a written budget for services to be provided under any agreement which may result from this RFP. Provide this budget for each year of a possible four-year contract. If the Offeror is submitting a proposal in hard format, the budget must be placed in a separate sealed envelope with the Offeror's name on the envelope and included in the proposal response. If the Offeror is submitting a proposal in electronic format, the budget must be placed in a separate PDF document.

F)  Campaign Contribution Form - Offeror shall complete, sign, and submit with Offeror's proposal the Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form (Attachment 1) and disclose whether Offeror, a family member, or a representative of the Offeror has made a campaign contribution to an applicable public official during the two years prior to the RFP. Offeror shall complete the non-disclosure statement or make separate disclosures for all campaign contributions given by (1) the Offeror, (2) a family member, or (3) a representative of the Offeror (Attachment 1).

G)  Completed, signed Statement of Assurances Form (Attachment 2).
 

Any proposal that does not adhere to these requirements may be deemed non-responsive and rejected on that basis.

V.  CRITERIA AND EVALUATION POINT SUMMARY

Offeror(s) shall submit information sufficient to allow the Forestry Division to evaluate the 

proposal based upon criteria listed below:

Relevant experience

Points will be awarded based on proof of degree or documented nursery experience; training relevant to nursery operations, including knowledge and ability to recognize and treat insect and disease problems that may occur in the greenhouse; and number of previous contracts for successfully growing seedlings.   Maximum Points 30

Species propagation and disease treatment

Points will be awarded based current experience in obtaining seed source, germination techniques, growing native species and ability to recognize and treat insect and disease problems that may occur in the greenhouse.  Maximum Points 30

Staffing  

Points will be awarded based on adequacy of staff, facilities, and resources to perform services.  Maximum Points 25

Budget

Points will be awarded for total cost of providing seedlings (including seed acquisition,  propagation, germination, treatment of disease, and research and development of additional species), for each year of a possible four-year contract.

The evaluation will be based on the following formula:   Lowest Responsive Offer Amount divided by This Offeror’s Proposed Amount x  Award Points.  Maximum Points 15

Maximum possible points 100
 

VI.  EVALUATION PROCESS

The evaluation process will follow the steps listed below:

1.  Three Evaluation Team members will document contents of competitive sealed proposals after the submittal deadline.

2.  The Evaluation Team will review proposals for compliance with the mandatory requirements stated within this RFP. Proposals deemed non-responsive will be eliminated from further consideration.

3.  The EMNRD Contact Person may contact Offerors for clarification of the proposal.

4.  The Evaluation Team will evaluate responsive proposals based on the criteria in Section V and will select responsive Offeror(s} with the highest total scores as finalist Offeror(s). The Evaluation Team will select the finalist Offeror(s) whose proposal and references is/are most advantageous to EMNRD, for award.

VII.  CONTRACT AWARD AND DURATION

EMNRD may award multiple contracts under the terms of the attached draft PSA (Attachment 3) and in accordance with this RFP. Any PSA awarded as a result of this RFP shall not be binding until approved by the General Services Department, State Purchasing Division, Contracts Review Bureau. The contract period shall extend from the date of contract approval by the Contracts Review Bureau, and shall last no longer than four years, including amendments.

VIII.  CONTACT PERSON AND DUE DATES

The EMNRD Contact Person for this procurement is:

Carol Bada, Seedling Program 

EMNRD Forestry Division

Wendell Chino Building

1220 South Saint Francis Drive

Santa Fe, NM 87505

Telephone: (505) 660-0412

carol.bada@emnrd.nm.gov
 

Offerors shall direct any questions regarding this RFP to Carol Bada at the address indicated. EMNRD will only respond to written questions regarding this RFP. Written answers to those questions will be sent to all who request copies of this RFP and will also be posted on the EMNRD Forestry Division website.

Any inquiries or requests regarding this procurement must be submitted in writing to the EMNRD Contact Person listed above. Offerors may contact ONLY the Contact Person regarding this RFP. Other state employees or Evaluation Committee members do not have authority to respond on EMNRD's behalf.

Deadlines for Written Questions

Potential Offerors may submit written questions to the Contact Person as to the intent or clarity of this RFP until 5 p.m. MDT, July 17, 2025. All written questions must be addressed to the Contact Person as indicated above. In the event questions are mailed, they must be physically received at the above location by the stated date and time to be considered. Questions shall be clearly labeled and shall cite the Section(s) in the RFP or other document which form the basis of the question.

The Division will post written responses to such questions on the Division website by August 4, 2025: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/reguests-for-proposals-and-grants/

Proposal Submittal and Due Date

All proposals must be received by the Contact Person or designee no later than 5 p.m. MDT, August 15, 2025. Proposals must be submitted in the format specified above in Section IV, Proposal Contents and Format. In the event proposals are mailed, they must be physically received at the above location by the stated date and time in order to be considered. EMNRD shall not accept proposals received after this date and shall make absolutely no exceptions for proposals not received at the above location by the appointed time.

If submitting hard documents, Offerors shall submit one original hard proposal and three identical hard copies to Carol Bada at the above address by the date and time specified above. In the event proposals are mailed, they must be physically received at the above location by the stated date and time in order to be considered

If submitting electronically, offerors shall submit their proposal using the Division's Submittable webpage using the address: https://emnrd-sfd.submittable.com/submit. EMNRD will deem such proposals sealed in accordance with state statute. EMNRD shall not accept proposals received after this date and shall make absolutely no exceptions for proposals not received by the appointed time. RFP responses MAY NOT be sent by facsimile.

Protest Period

Pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 13-1-172 and applicable procurement regulations, Offerors who are not selected have the right to timely protest the procurement. Protests must be written and must include: the name and address of the protester and the name of the procurement being protested; a statement of the grounds for protest including appropriate supporting exhibits; and the ruling requested from EMNRD. The protest period begins on the day after notice of selection/non-selection and ends at 5 p.m. 15 days later. Protests must be delivered to: Miguel Gallegos, Chief Procurement Officer, EMNRD, 1220 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM, 87505.

IX.  NOTICES

Award of agreements is contingent upon sufficient appropriations and authorization being made by the State of New Mexico. The money made available to support any PSA entered into as a result of this RFP must cover Gross Receipts Taxes as a component of the total PSA amount. 

EMNRD may cancel this RFP and reject any and all proposals when it is in the State of New Mexico's best interests. EMNRD may conduct discussions with Offerors who submit proposals but may also accept proposals without such discussions. 

The New Mexico Procurement Code, NMSA 1978, Sections 13-1-28 through 13-1-199, imposes civil and criminal penalties for its violation. In addition, the New Mexico criminal statutes impose felony penalties for bribes, gratuities, and kickbacks.
 

 Attachments

Attachment 1: Campaign Contribution Form 

Available at: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/Campaign-Contribution-Form.pdf

Attachment 2: Statement of Assurances Form 

Available at: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/Statement-of-Assurances-Form.pdf

Attachment 3: Draft Professional Services Agreement

Available at: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/FY26-PSA-template.pdf
 

FAWRA Overview

The Forest and Watershed Restoration Act (FAWRA) was created by House Bill 266 and signed into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on March 15, 2019. FAWRA allocates funding annually to the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Forestry Division (New Mexico State Forestry) for the purpose of restoring forests and watersheds in the state of New Mexico and establishes a Forest and Watershed Advisory Board to evaluate and recommend projects. When projects have been selected and approved, New Mexico State Forestry will administer, implement, and report on the projects.

Note: FAWRA is not a grant program. It is a way for the public, government, and non-governmental partners to recommend and develop projects in partnership with the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Forestry Division (Forestry Division). The Forestry Division administers any projects initiated through the FAWRA and may choose to enter into agreements to implement projects on public lands with governmental entities at its own discretion.

Before submitting a proposal, proponents are strongly encouraged to consult full submission guidelines, available here. For more information, please visit the Forestry Division's FAWRA webpage.

The State of New Mexico, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Forestry Division (Forestry Division) accepts grant applications for invasive plant management projects year-round. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Forest Service) regularly provides funds specifically to address areas where invasive plants threaten forested acres. As long as other federal money is not involved, eligible applicants are non-federal governmental entities, including tribes. Successful applicants shall be required to provide 1:1 matching funds. 

Projects must emphasize prevention and treatment of invasive plants and address any or all of the following: 

• awareness and education; 
• inventory and mapping; 
• planning and coordination; 
• integrated weed management; or 
• monitoring and evaluation. 

Applications may request a minimum of $5,000.00 and a maximum of $40,000.00. Purchase of items such as backpack sprayers, storage cabinets, storage tanks, or trailers are limited to a maximum of $5,000.00. 

The Forestry Division shall give the highest priority to projects that apply integrated management practices, demonstrate partnerships and commitment to monitoring results, and for projects that address priority species on the New Mexico Noxious Weed List.

Projects involving invasive plant species other than those on the state’s noxious weed list may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The Forestry Division encourages cooperation with federal agencies, although their efforts may not be included as match and federal agencies are not eligible to receive funds for treatment. When listing the partnerships, applicants shall provide the name of any agencies that will be participating and a contact person who will be representing the agency for the purpose of this project. The Forestry Division may contact listed partners during application review to verify their involvement.
 

ADDITIONAL NOTICES 

• All applicants must complete and submit a Financial Capability Questionnaire with their Application. Once filled out, this can be uploaded below.

• All applicants must review the criteria indicated on the Federal Eligibility Checklist. Successful applicants will be required to comply with the Federal Eligibility Checklist.

• Award of agreements is contingent upon sufficient appropriations and authorization being made by the Forest Service and the State of New Mexico. 

• Where applicable, applicants must factor in Governmental Gross Receipts Tax (GGRT) as part of their responses. Any response that does not clearly indicate GGRT is included in the cost section may be deemed non-responsive and rejected. 

• The Forestry Division may reject any and all applications when it is in the State of New Mexico’s best interest. 

• The Forestry Division may conduct discussions with applicants who submit applications but may also accept applications without such discussions. 

• This program does not reimburse indirect costs. The Forestry Division shall not allow more than 10% in administrative costs. 

• The last funded project may receive only partial funding if the Forestry Division lacks sufficient monies to fully-fund that project. Project contacts will be notified by the Forestry Division Program Manager before any partial funding is approved.
 

SUBMISSION AND REVIEW 

Applications are batch-reviewed periodically according to available funds and program demand and scored according to criteria listed below. The latest information on expected review timelines is updated on the NM Forestry Division’s Invasive Plants Program webpage. To submit an application, create an account and offerors shall submit their proposal using the Forestry Division’s Submittable webpage.
 

Questions may be submitted to:

Melissa McLamb

Forest Restoration Officer

melissa.mclamb@emnrd.nm.gov
 

***Due to the high demand for this program, available funding may not be sufficient to address all assistance requests. However, you are encouraged to sign up, as your request will remain active and be considered if additional funding becomes available. ***

The New Mexico Forestry Division (Division) is accepting requests for hazardous tree mitigation assistance from landowners impacted by the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire. Federal money supports the implementation of this project through the Division. The Division is hiring contractors who will plan and carry out hazard tree projects. Landowners requesting assistance will be evaluated for eligibility and prioritized based on the following criteria: 

1) The property must be in Mora County or San Miguel County within the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon burn scar. 

2) Hazard trees on the property must exist within two tree heights of roads, powerlines, and/or structures. Hazard trees include disaster-damaged trees that:

• are leaning more than 30 degrees from vertical, 
• have more than 50% of the canopy damaged, 
• have split trunk exposing the heartwood, or
• have 40% exposed roots. 

3) Properties in close proximity or adjacent to other landowners who have requested assistance will receive priority.

  Steps in the process: 

1. The Division will receive landowner’s requests and verify eligibility. 
2. A contractor will contact the landowner to schedule a site visit and develop a map indicating which trees are eligible for removal, how slash (tree residue) will be treated, and where logs will be placed or chipped on the landowner’s property. No slash or logs shall be removed from landowner properties as a part of this project. 
3. The contractor will submit the plan to the Forestry Division for approval. 
4. The Division will review the plan and work with the contractor on any necessary revisions.
5. The Division will issue a notice to proceed to the contractor for approved plans.
6. Work can begin on the property in accordance with approved plans.

The State of New Mexico, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Forestry Division  is seeking applications for urban and community forestry projects to assist communities in developing and maintaining sustainable stewardship of urban and community forestry resources in New Mexico. 

Eligible applicants  are non-federal governmental entities, including public colleges and universities and tribes (as long as other federal money is not involved).  Projects located on lands owned or administered by the federal government are not eligible for this funding.

Applications may request any amount up to $60,000.00. The Forestry Division reserves the right to partially fund projects. Project contacts will be notified by the Forestry Division Program Manager before any partial funding is approved. 

The focus of the grants are on projects that occur within or deliver 100 percent of the projects benefits to communities identified as disadvantaged by the federal government. Applicants must use federal online vulnerability and environmental justice equity data tools to support a disadvantaged community designation (e.g., White House Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), the EPA Environmental Justice and Screening Mapping Tool, and EPA EnviroAtlas Interactive Map). Projects that occur outside of areas identified as disadvantaged may still be funded but it may be at a lower amount. 

Applications will be accepted year-round and batch-reviewed periodically according to available funds and program demand.  The latest information on expected review timelines is updated on the Forestry Division’s webpage, here: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SFD/RFPs/RFPMain.html. 

Applicants must submit their proposals on the Forestry Division’s Submittable webpage using this link: https://emnrd-sfd.submittable.com/submit.  

Scope of Work 

Projects must emphasize the development and management of community forests.  Projects located on lands owned or administered by the federal government are not eligible for this funding.  Applicants must collaborate with applicable landowners to obtain any needed permissions or permits. Examples of eligible project activities include but are not limited to:

• community forestry program development or improvement such as the creation of management plans, ordinances, tree boards, site preparation (clearing invasives, removing concrete), tree plantings, wood waste program creation, food forest creation, invasive detection, tree maintenance (mulch, irrigation, pruning,      removal), inventory, green infrastructure, assessment, or monitoring; 
• professional  development to create or expand the technical skillset of a diverse and inclusive urban forestry workforce such as the development of classes, implementation of  workshops, registration to attend conferences;
• public outreach and education promoting community involvement in urban forestry such as community events, surveys, engagement, creation of publications, multimedia, and trainings.

Any projects that involve tree removal such as site preparation or tree maintenance that includes removal must also include replanting in their proposal. 

Any projects that involve planting must include a planting plan including tree species and size selection, tree planting methods to be used, irrigation plans, and long-term maintenance plans. Successful Offerors with tree planting projects must have a community forest ordinance, policy, or management plan that designates legal responsibility for the care of trees in the community. Successful Offerors shall follow American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z60.1 nursery standards and ANSI A300 tree planting standards.

Funds cannot be used to purchase capital equipment costing more than $5,000.00 but may be used to rent equipment, and cannot be used for land acquisition or construction. This program does not reimburse indirect costs. The Forestry Division shall not allow more than 10% in administrative costs.

Questions:

Melissa McLamb

EMNRD, Forestry Division

1220 S. St. Francis Drive

Santa Fe, N.M., 87505

Melissa.McLamb@emnrd.nm.gov

The full RFP is available on the Forestry Division website,  https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/requests-for-proposals-and-grants/.
 

Submittable Information

• You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit to these forms.
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Technical Questions?

Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.

Important Update: Please be advised that the initial phase of property assessments for our post-fire recovery program has been completed, and our assessment contractors have demobilized. While we are no longer scheduling new assessments at this time, we encourage interested landowners to continue submitting their applications and supporting documentation. We anticipate additional funding for this crucial program in the future, which may allow us to remobilize contractors to conduct further assessments. Please understand, however, that the resumption of assessments cannot be guaranteed at this time.

The State of New Mexico, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources, Forestry Division (Forestry Division) is accepting requests for post-fire erosion and hazardous tree mitigation assistance from landowners impacted by the Salt and South Fork Fires. The Forestry Division is utilizing contractors who will conduct site assessments and carry out post-fire projects. The Forestry Division will have sole discretion to determine appropriate post-fire practices to be implemented on the landowner's behalf.

**This opportunity is separate from the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection program and from DHSEM's Private Property Debris Removal program and requires completing this application.

Eligibility

Landowners requesting assistance will be evaluated for eligibility based on the following criteria:

1. The property must be located in Lincoln County and within the boundaries of the Salt and South Fork burn scars.

2. The landowner must provide evidence of property ownership by providing plats, deeds, and/or title insurance.

3. Hazard trees on the property must be located within a distance that is twice the tree's height from roads and/or structures. Hazard trees include disaster-damaged trees that:

        a. are leaning more than 30 degrees,

        b. have more than 75% canopy damage for Ponderosa pines, or more than 50% of         canopy damage for other tree species;

        c. have split trunk exposing the heartwood, or

        d. have 40% exposed roots.

Areas of Priority

Properties will be prioritized for assistance to maximize long-term watershed recovery, focusing on areas with the greatest risk of erosion that may contribute to debris flows and impact downstream communities. Prioritization will be based on:

1. Proximity to other landowners who have requested assistance will receive priority. This will enable the Forestry Division to use funding efficiently by reducing contractor mobilization costs.

2. Location in a watershed, with areas higher in the watershed receiving priority.

3. Burn severity, with higher burn severity properties receiving priority.

4. Terrain features, with areas having steeper slopes receiving priority.

The Program

The Forestry Division will receive the landowner's requests and verify eligibility.

1. The landowner will complete a Right-of-Entry Agreement which gives the Forestry Division and its contractors permission to enter the property for the purpose of conducting hazard tree mitigation and post-fire erosion control.

2. A planning contractor will contact the landowner to schedule a site visit and develop a map indicating which trees are eligible for removal, sites chosen for erosion control structures, and how slash (tree residue) will be treated.

3. The planning contractor will submit the plan to the Forestry Division which will identify recommended post-fire practices for the property.

4. The Forestry Division will review the plan and work with the planning contractor on any necessary revisions.

5. The Forestry Division will engage project contractors to implement approved plans.

6. Work can begin on the landowner's property in accordance with approved plans.

Questions? Review our Frequently Asked Questions document.
 

**For assistance with your application or questions about your application, please email:

EMNRD-Southfork@emnrd.nm.gov 

To begin your application, click the Submit button below and create your Submittable account.